Vina Robles Summer 2017 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SUMMER 2017

3. . . . . . . . . A Note From Hans Nef 4. . . . . . . . . Featured Wine 5. . . . . . . . . New Release 6. . . . . . . . . Behind the Vine 7. . . . . . . . . From the Cellar 9. . . . . . . . . Featured Recipe 10. . . . . . . . Happenings

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Dear Friends, With the summer season nearly upon us, we are enjoying the last few cool days in the vineyards. After a wonderfully wet winter, the hills are greener than they have been in years and our vineyards are in full bloom.

Soon enough, the summer heat will turn everything golden and the harvest season will begin.

In the meantime, we are staying busy on all fronts. Most notably, we broke ground and started construction on a new winery at our Huerhuero Vineyard. It is a fitting milestone to mark our 20th anniversary of grape growing, and promises to be the foundation of our next 20 years in Paso Robles.

We opened our fifth season at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre and are pleased to announce upcoming acts this summer include classic rockers REO Speedwagon, The Doobie Brothers, vocal superstar Idina Menzel, and salsa-flamenco legends The Gipsy Kings, among many more.

Meanwhile at the Hospitality Center, we are excited to introduce our new Executive Chef Randal Torres and share our new lunch offerings and food pairing experiences. We are also planning our Hospitality Center’s 10th anniversary party and other exciting summer events, and hope to see you there.

I invite you to come taste, have a bite and make an afternoon of your visit. A perfect summer interlude awaits you at Vina Robles.

Best regards,

Hans Nef

Cover: Vines at Huerhuero Vineyard

SUMMER 2017

FEATURED WINE 2014 PETITE SIRAH – Creston Valley Vineyard Petite Sirah stands right alongside Zinfandel as one of California’s original wine grapes dating back more than 100 years, and it has been a centerpiece of our winemaking program since day one—a commitment that now extends to our estate Creston Valley Vineyard.

Located 12 miles southeast of the city of Paso Robles, Creston Valley Vineyard enjoys optimal growing conditions for Petite Sirah, including shallow soils that foster natural fruit intensity. Compared to our other Petite Sirah plantings, the climate at Creston Valley is slightly cooler, resulting in a Petite Sirah with its own sense of place. This limitededition bottling was crafted with small-lot winemaking techniques and aged for 20 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels.

Only 538 cases were produced.

Tasting Notes The 2014 vintage bursts from the glass with bold aromas of ripe boysenberry, white pepper, cola, and vanilla. A rich, fullbodied palate delivers flavors of dark berry with continued hints of cola. Mouthfilling tannins add structure to a long, velvety finish.

Pairing Recommendations This wine’s dark fruit flavors are a fitting match for roast duck, rack of lamb with rosemary and grilled Santa Mariastyle tri-tip.

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NEW RELEASE 2016 VERMENTINO – Huerhuero Varietal bottlings of Vermentino may be rare in California, but they have been a mainstay at Vina Robles for more than five years after we determined that this classic Italian variety is suited to our estate Huerhuero Vineyard. Here, our Vermentino block is planted to a narrow low valley that traverses the center of the property. On clear summer mornings, when standing atop one of the hills in the vineyard, it is not unusual to see the Vermentino vines enshrouded in coastal fog below. This added coolness preserves the Vermentino grape’s bright fruit character and aromatic complexity, ensuring pure varietal expression. The 2016 vintage opens with vibrant aromas of pear, green apple and honeydew melon. The honeydew notes continue on the palate, converging into a smooth, creamy finish.

AGING: STAINLESS STEEL AND NEUTRAL FRENCH OAK BARRELS BOTTLING DATE: 02.17.17 RELEASE DATE: 05.19.17 ALCOHOL: 14.5%

SUMMER 2017

EL POMAR DISTRICT Behind the Vine with Viticulturist Sukhy Sran While “Paso Robles” is recognized as a wine region unto itself, it is actually composed of 11 different American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with its own unique growing conditions.

At Vina Robles, we grow estate fruit in several of these AVAs, from the Adelaida District in the coastal mountains to the Creston District east of Paso Robles.

In fact, one of our vineyards—Huerhuero—straddles two AVAs, with the northern part residing in the Geneseo District, and the southern part belonging to the El Pomar District.

You might ask: can there really be that much of a difference

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between neighboring AVAs? And the answer is: yes.

Take the El Pomar District for example. This district is known for its cooler temperatures and heavier soils. While it is located on the eastside of Paso

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Robles, it lies within the path of cool marine air flowing inward from the Templeton Gap, a notch in the coastal mountains. The heavier soils in the El Pomar District likewise tend to ESTRELLA RD

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stay cool longer in the mornings, and the combined effect is an extended growing season.

DISTRICT These characteristics are plainly evident at Huerhuero Vineyard. Compared to the Pleasant Valley TOWER RD northern part that lies in the Geneseo District, the southern El Pomar District portion SAN MIGUEL DISTRICT

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Hospitality Center

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GENESEO DISTRICT

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Winery Site

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FONTANA

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EL POMAR DISTRICT

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UNION RD

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Creston Valley NIBLICK RD

CRESTON RD

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CRESTON DISTRICT

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CRESTON

EL POMAR DISTRICT

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TEMPLETON YORK

LINNE RD

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CAMP 8 RD

WILLOW CREEK TEMPLETON GAP DISTRICT DISTRICT

Huerhuero

FONTANA

CRE STO NR D

TEMPLETON

HILL

UNION RD

Huerhuero

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MILL RD

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Winery Site

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in the El Pomar District

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WILLOW CREEK DISTRICT

Jardine

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RD Hospitality Center

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is noticeably cooler. I live

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GENESEO DISTRICT

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about five miles from the vineyard, and there are mornings when we are socked in with fog while the rest of Paso Robles is bright and sunny. On summer days, you can stand on a hill at Huerhuero and see a river of mist rolling along the lowlands below.

These lowlands are the coldest spots, and that is where we have planted aromatic white varieties such as Vermentino and Verdelho, which thrive in cooler conditions. Other vineyard blocks in the El Pomar District include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. With the red wines grown in these blocks, the fruit profile tends to be a bit tighter, with firmer tannins.

As you can see, the different AVAs of Paso Robles are not just for show. In fact, they speak to some pretty significant differences—as is evident with our experience in the El Pomar District.

BREAKING GROUND From the Cellar with Winemaker Kevin Willenborg As the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait,” and such is the case for Vina Robles as we break ground on our new winery at Huerhuero Vineyard.

“This moment for creating our own dedicated winery facility has been a long time coming,” says Winemaker Kevin Willenborg. “The upside to waiting this long is that we get to take advantage of the latest cutting-edge technologies that will help us make even better wine.”

Indeed, the state-of-the-art equipment slated for our new winery will not only enhance wine quality, but also elevate our energy efficiency and overall environmental friendliness.

“Some of this equipment would have been unthinkable just 5 or 10 years ago, and a lot of it mirrors the mindset behind our sustainable vineyard practices,” Kevin says.

For example, the winery will be partially powered by a solar array, and innovative logic controllers will greatly reduce energy consumption. In other words, the winery will use less energy while generating its own power, ultimately minimizing its carbon footprint. The roof is designed to capture rainfall runoff and feed it to a clean water pond for vineyard irrigation. continued page 8...

SUMMER 2017

BREAKING GROUND cont.

The winery is scheduled to be ready for action by the summer of 2018. It will include a 25,000-square-foot crush pad, an extensive stainless steel tank room and four conjoined barrel cellars. Until then, we will continue to make our wines in a leased facility north of Paso Robles.

“Our current facility has served us well—but the new winery will take our winemaking program to the next level in terms of quality, efficiency, comfort, and flexibility,” Kevin says.

Among the technological marvels in the new winery will be fermentation tanks that feature integrated “pumpover” capabilities.

Pumpovers are employed during red wine fermentations to mix the juice with the skins, ensuring proper extraction of color, flavor and tannin. Traditional pumpovers are done by manually hooking a pump up to a low valve on the tank and pumping the juice over the skins at the top of the tank. Once a pumpover is completed, the pump and hose are moved to the next tank—a very labor-intensive process.

“These new tanks have pumpover capabilities built in,” Kevin explains. “With a software program that I can control on my smartphone, I am able to implement a pumpover routine that would be humanly impossible, from the frequency to the duration to the gentleness.

This will allow me to achieve red wine extraction levels with absolute precision.”

The winery will also feature an optical grape sorter, one of just a few of its kind in Paso Robles. When our fruit is harvested and destemmed, each grape will be sent through the optical sorter, which will discard any compromised fruit with remarkable speed and accuracy.

But do not worry—the human eye and hand will still play a defining role in our winemaking. “I have a habit of walking through the winery and checking on each tank every morning and afternoon, and that will not change,” Kevin says. “We will not rely wholly on technology, but we will now be able to use it to our utmost advantage.”

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FEATURED RECIPE About The Chef – Randal Torres Chef Randal Torres joined the Vina Robles family this spring and is excited to take over the culinary program of our Hospitality Center. Chef Randal has worked as a chef and restaurateur throughout California and Hawaii for nearly 30 years. He has developed several restaurants, including the successful Grappolo Restaurant and Bar in San Luis Obispo, where he first became acquainted with the wines of Vina Robles. A believer in “true California” cuisine, Chef Randal uses simple, fresh and healthy ingredients to create dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Central Coast regions. With this recipe, he kindly shares a dish that embodies his culinary philosophy.

Linguine with Crab and Asparagus Serves 4 Pair with Vina Robles 2016 Vermentino - Huerhuero Linguine with Crab and Asparagus 1 lb. linguine 1 tbsp. minced garlic 1 oz. white wine 4 basil leaves, chiffonade cut 1 tsp. Italian parsley, chopped salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp.

1 lb.

1 tbsp.

1 tsp.

8 oz.

extra virgin olive oil asparagus butter chili flakes (optional) cooked crab meat (preferably King or Snow Crab)

Method Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. In a large sauté pan over medium heat add olive oil, garlic and asparagus. Sauté for 3 minutes, then deglaze with white wine. Add butter, basil, chili flakes, and crab meat. Toss pasta into sauce and season to taste. Add a little of the pasta water, if needed. Top with chopped Italian parsley.

SUMMER 2017

HAPPENINGS Our “Red, White & Blues Bash” is the Definition of Summer Kick off Independence Week with a festive afternoon of barbecue, dancing and wine at our Red, White & Blues Bash on Saturday, July 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy the zesty flavors of a hometown barbecue lunch prepared by our Executive Chef Randal Torres while enjoying live music by The Cliffnotes, a beloved local blues band. Wine tastings and wine by the glass will be available for purchase. And do not miss our wine special offering 30 percent off our Red, White & Rosé 6-Pack, valid June 30 through July 4. Tickets are $12/pp; $10/Wine Club. Advance reservations at VinaRobles.com are recommended.

Weekend Party Celebrates Hospitality Center’s 10th Anniversary The summer of 2007 was a momentous season for Vina Robles, as we fulfilled our dream of a hilltop Hospitality Center. Feeling that milestones should be marked, we now invite you to celebrate our Hospitality Center’s 10th anniversary on the weekend of July 29-30 with a “barbecue clam bake” on our Petite Terrace from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. The festivities will include live music by The Martin Paris Band. Wine and other beverages will be available for purchase. The cost is $35/pp; $25/Wine Club.

Tickets are available at VinaRobles.com

Be A Winemaker for A Day This is your chance to put your mark on your very own vintage! Indeed, at our 20th Anniversary Blending Seminar on August 26, you will create your own unique blend using the wines of Vina Robles. Our winemaking staff will be on hand to impart blending wisdom, guide you through the process and celebrate

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your achievements. Afterward, you will be able to take home your own personal blend to share with family and friends. More information is forthcoming, but for now please save the date.

Amphitheatre Calendar Vina Robles Amphitheatre Upcoming Show Schedule

DUSTIN LYNCH JUNE 15

TREVOR NOAH JUNE 24

REO SPEEDWAGON, STYX & DON FELDER JUNE 25

AFI & CIRCA SURVIVE AUGUST 2

SLAYER AUGUST 8

MICHAEL MCDONALD AND BOZ SCAGGS AUGUST 16

SYMPHONY AT SUNSET AUGUST 20

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS AUGUST 22

IDINA MENZEL AUGUST 27

Visit the Amphitheatre website for tickets and an up-to-date schedule: vinaroblesamphitheatre.com

3700 MILL ROAD, PASO ROBLES, CA OPEN DAILY 10-6 SUMMER / 10-5 WINTER

ABOUT VINA ROBLES We craft wines that represent a stylistic bridge between the Old and New worlds, capturing the finesse associated with European wines while celebrating the bold natural flavors of our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. Here, proprietor Hans Nef and managing partner Hans—R. Michel bring their Swiss heritage to California’s Central Coast, where they aim to unite the best of both experiences. Our wines are available across the United States and overseas, and can be enjoyed at our hospitality center in the heart of the Paso Robles wine country. Please visit us soon to taste the Vina Robles difference.

P.O. Box 699 Paso Robles, CA 93447 tel: 805-227-4812 fax: 805-227-4816

www.VinaRobles.com